Solar Panels
Energy saving solar panels are growing in popularity for many people who are looking to save on energy costs. The initial cost of installing solar panels may seem a bit high but there are long term benefits in terms of energy savings.
With so many forms of available solar panels, and even new solar window technology, there has never been a better time to start saving the planet, and save money!
Saving On Energy
Once a person decides to sell the home they will have no problem with getting someone to take interest in property that has solar panels. This is a major money saver, and even people that are living in the home before they sell it can reap savings that come with this type of home. This is a major upgrade for many people, and they can see that they will save energy in the summer and the winter when they add solar windows to their homes.
Solar panels save you energy by using the cleanest, and greatest, source of energy available in the solar system, the Sun. There are three main types of solar panels for the energy and money concious consumer. Each has its own advantages and benefits. These benefits, as well as cost, are two factors that should be considered before making any solar panel purchase. The three types of solar panels being widely used today are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
First up are monocrystalline solar panels. This type of solar panel is the most energy efficient of the three types. The manufacturing process that produces monocrystalline solar panels uses the highest quality silicon. Because of how pure the silicon is, these panels produce electricity exeptionally well. They also work better in low light situations than other types of solar panels and require less space to install.
The panel does have its negatives though. Do to its high quality, monocrystalline panels also come at a high cost. Some may consider the high upfront cost a minor issue as the efficiency of the panal will produce greater savings over time. This type of panel also produces more waste when it is constructed.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
The second type of solar panel is polycrystalline. The process to produce these panels is more streamlined and efficient than that of monocrystalline panels. There is little to no waste left over as a by-product of production. This makes polycrystalline panels cleaner and cheaper to make than their monocrystalline counterpart. These panels, however, don't produce electricity as well as monocrystalline panels do. In high heat and low light, they perform poorly when compared to their counterparts. They also tend to be larger than monocrystalline panels.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
The last type of solar panel is thin-film. Unlike monocrystalline and polycrytalline panels, thin-film panels are not made from silicon. These panels are made by stacking thin layers of photovoltaic material. Electricity is produced in the areas where these layers meet as sunlight passes through. This type of panel is not as efficient at producing electricity as the other two panels, but it is far cheaper to produce. There are a few different base materials that are used to make the thin layers that comprise thin-film panels. These materials are not equal in function as some work better than others. Other negatives to using thin-film panels are space requirements and durability.
When making a solar panel comparison to decide which type to buy, potential buyers must decide which factor they deem most important. Is efficiency the most important thing or is it cost? Do you want a panel that strikes a happy medium between cost and performance? The answer to these questions will help buyers make the right decision for their particular situation.
Where can I purchase Solar Panels?
In the UK you can expect one kilowatt of panels to generate between 800 and 1000 units (kilowatt-hours, kWh) of electricity per year. Nowadays, getting a solar panel is not impossible. Here are different options where you can get solar panels.
Solar and Battery
Solar Xpress
First4solar
